Press Release: Marchers Arrested in Border Area

For Immediate Release
June 17, 2008

Contact:
Tsewang Rigzin: +91 9805247259
Tenzin Choeying: +91 9410936743
Tenzin Choedon: +91 9756969133

50 MARCHERS ARRESTED CLOSE TO INDO-TIBET BORDER AS CHINA CHANGES TIBET OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY ROUTE

Pithoragarh - Around 9:30am, Indian police arrested 50 Tibetans on their March to Tibet as they entered Dharchula, the last Indian township before the Tibetan border. In groups of 4, the marchers approached the blockade of police officers, attempting to break through in order to continue on their way. The 200 police officers forcefully loaded the groups one at a time onto two waiting buses. It is currently unclear where they will be taken. (more…)

The long march to Tibet

The final chapter of the 90-day long protest journey will be written today.

By Tenzin Tsundue
Hindustan Times
June 17, 2008

For the last 90 days, 300 Tibetans have been walking through the green fields, valleys, mountains and busy streets of India. Braving the heat, we have covered 1,300 km to walk back to Tibet, our home. Though ours has been a non-violent march, we have spent days in jail. Now we wonder what will happen to us today when we try to enter into Tibet. (more…)

THE LONG MARCH HOME

By Jamyang Norbu
www.jamyangnorbu.com

Mother Pollard was probably the oldest participant in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Apparently no one knew her actual age or her first name, she was just called Mother. After several weeks of walking painfully to her destinations, people had urged Mother Pollard to drop out of the boycott and ride the buses. Mother Pollard refused. She made an offhand comment in response which has since become famous. She said: “My feets is tired, but my soul is rested.”

I think this is how the Rangzen Marchers must be feeling right now, feet(s) tired but hearts at rest, when they glimpse the snow capped peaks in the distance and know they are getting close to home. Looking through the photographs in their website (tibetanuprising.org) I notice a number of old palas and amalas among the marchers. One old man has a cane in his right hand a national flag in his left and a portrait of His Holiness hanging from his neck. But he looks good for another five hundred miles. (more…)

Days 98 and 99 Update from the March

On June 15, the marchers walked 27 kilometers from Askote to Gungatoli. They spent the night at the town’s Junior School.

A close relative to the King of Askote, Mahinder Singh Pal, gave a royal lunch to the marchers. One of the marchers, 74 year old Tenpa, and Mahinder Pal Ji recognized each other from a meeting 43 years ago. They met in 1965 when Tenpa fled Tibet into exile in India.

Today the marchers walked 17 kilometers to Gothi. Their campsite is only 6 kilometers outside of Dharchula.

Press Release: Marchers to Reach Border Area Tomorrow

For Immediate Release
June 16, 2008

Contact:
Tsewang Rigzin +91 9805247259
Tenzin Choedon +91 9756969133
Pema Dorjee +91 9927606204

MARCHERS TO REACH TIBET BORDER AREA ON EVE OF CHINA’S TORCH RELAY IN LHASA
King of Askote gives Tibetan marchers traditional reception at his palace

Pithoragarh - On the eve of China’s Olympic torch relay in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa, 50 Tibetans marching to Tibet are approaching Dharchula, the last Indian township before the Tibetan border. The marchers are currently in Dunga Toli in Pithoragarh district, and are expected to arrive in Dharchula on the morning of Tuesday, 17th June. On Saturday the marchers were give a reception by the king of Askote at his palace. (more…)